Marcus Rashford is no stranger to big games, but this weekend will bring something entirely new — his first-ever El Clasico.
The Manchester United loanee is gearing up for his debut in the world’s most-watched club fixture as Barcelona travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid.
For Rashford, the stage couldn’t be bigger. He’s played in Manchester derbies and Champions League nights at Old Trafford, but this is different.
“It’s my first Clasico and I’m looking forward to it because it’s maybe the biggest game there is,” Rashford told Barcelona’s official YouTube channel.
“I’m from Manchester, so it’s not the biggest game in Manchester. It’s the most watched game in the world.”
The Englishman admitted he grew up watching these legendary encounters, studying how the greats handled the pressure.
“You watch all the El Clasicos from history. You try to learn from the best players, especially in the most pressure moments,” he said.
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The Messi memory that stuck with Rashford
Messi Barcelona Real Madrid 2011
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When asked to name one unforgettable moment, Rashford didn’t hesitate.
“I remember, for example, Messi’s hat-trick in his early days in El Clasico,” he revealed, referring to the 3–3 draw in 2007 when a 19-year-old Lionel Messi introduced himself to the world with a stunning treble against Real Madrid.
It’s the kind of performance every young player dreams of replicating — and Rashford, who has five goals and six assists for Barcelona so far, wouldn’t mind following in those footsteps.
“These games are fantastic to watch because you don’t have to be a Barcelona or Real Madrid fan to enjoy this game,” he added.
Since arriving in Spain, Rashford has rediscovered his spark under Hansi Flick. The coach’s intensity and faith have clearly rubbed off, with the Englishman recently starring in Barca’s 6–1 Champions League win over Olympiacos.
Now, with the Catalan giants just two points behind Real, Rashford’s eyes are set firmly on Madrid.
Asked if he’d prefer a hat-trick or a last-minute winner, Rashford grinned: “I’ll choose a hat-trick.” Football fans would say — that’s the Rashy way to settle a Clasico.
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